Five Autumn International Test matches took place on Saturday, 20th November 2010, with ten of the World’s best rugby union sides in action.
Ireland 18 v 38 New Zealand
In the big match of the day, the evening’s game between Ireland and the New Zealand All Blacks, it was once again this Autumn the men in black who ran away with the game. New Zealand won by 20 points, 38-18, courtesy of four tries, four penalties and three conversions. Ireland produced two tries of their own via Ferris and O’Driscoll, but were outclassed and outgunned for most of the match by the imperious All Blacks.
England 26 v 13 Samoa
England left it late to get started against a vigorous Samoan defence, but eventually ran out 26-13 winners at Twickenham.
80 Samoan tackles rebuffed every English attempt at the in the bruising first 40 minutes. The first half finished 6-3.
In an entertaining second half, Samoa caught the hosts a little on the hop in the opening exchanges by scoring the game’s first five pointer through Williams.
This try seemed to spark England into life, and they soon scored their opening try through huge centre, Banahan, before adding another from Croft mid way through the half, then allowing Samoa a late consolation via Otto.
The difference would be four Toby Flood penalties and two conversions while Williams was only able to slot one kick, a penalty, but the Samoan full-back did get a try.
However, England had crossed the line three other times in this match only to be denied by marginal, albeit correct, decisions, so the result was a fair reflection of how the game had flowed despite Williams’ errant kicks.
Scotland 21 v 17 South Africa
The surprise result of the day surely came in Edinburgh, where Scotland put last week’s All Black hammering firmly behind them with a hard fought 21-17 win over South Africa, who have had their own problems this week.
The visitors looked to really miss Brian Habana, who went home with a broken hand, as they seemed short on pace and ideas in the backs, and ill-disciplined up front as their hosts frustrated and cajoled them into giving away needless penalties. Dan Parks was key for the hosts, and he proved to be the difference as he slotted all six penalty attempts and one drop-goal en route to another famous Autumn victory.
South Africa produced an Alberts try and four penaltiess through Steyn who, had he kicked as well as usual, had chances to win this match by a point or more. Scotland proved the more deadly when opportunities arose, and fully deserved their win which sparks some optimism into what could otherwise have been an extremely demoralised dressing room come December.
Other Games
Australia got back to winning ways with a solid performace away at Italy producing an 18 point, 32-14 win, while France edged a close match at home to Argentina by 6 points, 15-9.
Autumn International Rugby Union Results – Saturday 20th November 2010
- England 26-13 Samoa
- France 15-9 Argentina
- Ireland 18-38 New Zealand
- Italy 14-32 Australia
- Scotland 21-17 South Africa
